BRAVIA Theatre BDV-IT1000
November 25, 2008 by Switch gadget blog · Leave a Comment
The new BRAVIA BDV-IT1000 includes several high-end features
- The system provides state of the art Blu-ray Disc home theatre with new High-Definition audio codecs
- Super-slim speakers with drive-units just 16mm wide
- Sound with style: Speakers on floor stands, desktop or wall-mounted – plus wireless rear channels
- Two HDMI input terminals allow users to experience external sources through the system, including High-Definition surround sound and vision
- Simple set-up and operation with Digital Cinema Auto Calibration and BRAVIA Sync. Read more
Autodesk Maya for New Star Wars
November 25, 2008 by Switch gadget blog · Leave a Comment
Autodesk Maya Software Serves as Animation Platform for New Star Wars
Lucasfilm Ltd. and Lucasfilm Animation are using Autodesk, Inc.’s Autodesk Maya software to create the upcoming television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, just as they did to create the feature-length animated film that is now in theaters.
These are the first animated Star Wars projects from Lucasfilm. The projects benefited from a global production environment, with Maya as the hub for creating highly detailed worlds, characters and creatures, including Anakin Skywalker, R2-D2, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jabba the Hutt. Read more
Android Market - Google’s own App Store
November 25, 2008 by Switch gadget blog · Leave a Comment
Android Market - Google’s own App Store
Google have announced their rival to Apple’s App Store, the Android Market. Intended to allow users of Android-based devices - whether cellphones or otherwise - to download new apps and other software directly to the handset, Google have confirmed that a beta version of the service will be present on the first commercially available Android cellphones.
That beta will support free titles initially, with a subsequent firmware update adding provision for paid software. It will also give developers advanced tools such as versioning, multiple device profile support and analytics, among other things. Unlike the iPhone’s App Store, membership and posting on which is monitored and controlled by Apple, Android developers will have more freedom and fewer hoops to jump through. Membership will be a straightforward sign-up, with a ratings system used to weed out poor quality or potentially dangerous software.
While that would suggest that apps for the platform will proliferate faster (and be more quickly updated), it does raise questions regarding device security and stability. Apple’s stated motivation for its hands-on approach with the App Store is that it prevents poor software getting onto its devices and impacting the user experience; that could potentially be a significant issue for Android devices.
Source: Android Developers
Epson MovieMate 55 combo projector
November 25, 2008 by Switch gadget blog · Leave a Comment
Epson unveils MovieMate 55 combo projector
Epson late Tuesday announced its latest combo projector, the MovieMate 55. The device features a CD/DVD player and speakers in addition to the projector. Music can be played from any MP3 player, while video can be played from iPods. PCs or gaming consoles including Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii can be viewed with the MovieMate. Pictures displayed from picture CDs or USB flash drives can also be projected. A new E-TORL lamp is used and is claimed to output 1200 lumens in both color and white light. The projector produces a 16:9 aspect ratio image. A 60″ size can be obtained when the MM 55 is placed 6 feet away from the screen, or a 120″ size when placed 12 feet. The CD/DVD player is standard definition (480p) progressive scan. Sound is output through two 8 watt speakers.
The 3LCD projector technology uses a three chip optical engine, claimed by Epson to offer full time color without break-up. Each primary color is processed by an individual chip, preventing the rainbow effect from sequential color projection using a single chip. The MovieMate 55 will be available in October for $700.
Sony Ericsson TM506
November 25, 2008 by Switch gadget blog · Leave a Comment
Sony Ericsson Announces TM506 Exclusively with T-Mobile
Sony Ericsson today announced the expansion of its carrier channels in the U.S. to include T-Mobile USA, starting with the launch of the Sony Ericsson TM506 in early September. The Sony Ericsson TM506 flip phone is the Swedish manufacturer’s first handset supporting T-Mobile’s 3G network (operating in the AWS spectrum).
TM506 is a standard 3G phone for the masses. The phone measures 3.7 by 1.9 by 0.69 inches and weighs 3.4 ounces. Additionally, it’s equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, GPS navigation and should offer up to 3.5 hours of talk time.
Operating on GSM 850/1800/1900 MHz and HSDPA 1700/2100 MHz networks, the Sony Ericsson TM506 will be available from T-Mobile online and retail stores in early September 2008.
Source: Business Wire
Sony To Drop Blu-ray Player Price
November 25, 2008 by Switch gadget blog · Leave a Comment
Sony To Drop Blu-ray Player Price $100, Others to Follow
HD Guru is reporting that Sony will drop the price of their BDP-S350 Blu-ray player $100 and sell it for $300 beginning in September. As a result, manufacturer Funai plans to drop the price of its players (under the Philips/Magnavox, Insignia and Sylvania brands) down $50 to $250 in order to stay competitive in the market. Sony also plans to release a higher end Blu-ray player, the BDP-S550 for $399 beginning in October.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
November 25, 2008 by Switch gadget blog · Leave a Comment
EA tees off with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 09, a nominee for best sports game at this year’s E3, is available in retail stores today. The critically acclaimed Tiger Woods PGA TOUR franchise, which appeals to experienced and novice gamers alike, will feature personalized gameplay via Tiger Woods’ swing coach, Hank Haney. In addition, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play, winner of IGN’s Best Wii Sports Game Award at E3, features new graphics and user interface while also incorporating interactive and social mini-games.
“Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 brings simulation golf to life through its graphically enhanced courses and several all-new features for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 versions of the game,” said Executive Producer Mike Taramykin. “In Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play we were able to create a sociable yet competitive experience with the new Golf Party Mode, while also evening the playing field with an all-new Wii-specific controller system.”
An all-new addition to this year’s game is Performance Coach featuring Haney. He will assist gamers as they hit the links and try to advance their career to win the FedExCup. Following each round, Haney will deliver customized feedback on a player’s performance. This feedback system allows all gamers, rookies or pros, to compete and enjoy the game at any level. In Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09, a player’s skill level is dynamic, constantly adjusting throughout the round just as it would during a real afternoon of golf.
Also new to the game is Club Tuner, which gives gamers the opportunity to calibrate their clubs to fit their personal tendencies and preferences. Players can test and customize their driver, fairway woods, irons and wedges. The Club Tuner allows gamers the ability to create a bag of clubs that fit specific course conditions or needs, but strategy will come into play as gamers must weigh the risks of club performance versus ease of use.
The online experience for Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 has been significantly enhanced, from enhancements and all-new features within EA SPORTSTM GamerNet* to an all-new game engine powering simultaneous play within the game. New to GamerNet, which is an interactive gaming hub that hosts user-created gameplay online, are Instant Challenges, seamless integration into gameplay and all-new daily leaderboards. The new online engine in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play gives as many as four players the ability to play each hole at the same time, allowing players to swing when they are ready and experience a round of golf even faster and more competitive than ever before.
Developed in Orlando, Fla., by EA Tiburon, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 will be available on August 26 on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play is available specifically for WiiTM.
Source: EASports
